About the Carthage Economic Development Corporation
Investing in the Future of Carthage, MO
The Carthage Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) exists to support and guide business growth in Carthage, MO. Whether you're a local entrepreneur, regional developer, or national investor, our mission is the same: to make Carthage a place where businesses start strong, expand with purpose, and find long-term success.
Founded in 1993, the CEDC was established to help coordinate and amplify local economic development efforts. As of 2023, we’ve taken on a more active role; leading project implementation, attracting business investment, and supporting infrastructure improvements that shape the future of our community.
Our Mission.
To be the lead economic development organization for Carthage.
Who We Serve
At the Carthage Economic Development Corporation, our work revolves around one thing: helping businesses succeed. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a growing manufacturer, or a developer exploring southwest Missouri, we’re here to help you navigate, build, and thrive.
Startups and Entrepreneurs
From idea to launch, we guide new business owners through the process of planning, licensing, and securing support. Our team offers no-cost consulting, access to market data, and introductions to resources that help new ventures gain traction in Carthage’s supportive small business community.
Local Business Owners Ready to Grow
Whether you're outgrowing your space, hiring more employees, or adding a new product line, we help local companies expand with clarity. From site selection to incentives, we work with business owners to create smart, sustainable growth strategies.
Developers and Investors
Carthage offers development-ready land, access to utilities, and regional connectivity via I-49 and I-44. We assist developers looking for commercial, industrial, or mixed-use opportunities and help navigate local processes, permitting, and incentive programs.
Manufacturing, Logistics, and Industrial Leaders
Our region is known for its workforce, transportation infrastructure, and pro-business environment. CEDC partners with companies in transportation, food production, supply chain, and advanced manufacturing to support expansion and long-term investment.
Site Selectors and Relocation Consultants
We work closely with site selection professionals to provide the data, demographics, property details, and incentive alignment they need to present Carthage as a viable, competitive option for their clients.
No matter your industry, size, or stage of growth, if you’re building something in Carthage, we want to be part of your team. At CEDC, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all support. We believe in listening, collaborating, and finding real solutions that move your business forward. Because when your business grows, so does our community.
Our Board & Leadership
CEDC is governed by a volunteer board of local business owners, community leaders, and strategic stakeholders. Their firsthand knowledge of Carthage’s industries, workforce, and commercial landscape adds unmatched credibility and practical insight to our approach.
The Carthage Economic Development Corporation was started in 1993.
In 1993, the main focus of any economic development organization was the creation of industrial projects that would lead to jobs and additional employment.
Thirty years later, the CEDC is still focused on job creation through industrial recruitment and expansion. However, as an organization, we understand that development is much more than just industries and the number of smokestacks.
Other focuses of the CEDC are the creation of new housing projects, retail recruitment, workforce development, business startups, infrastructure projects and more. Basically, anything that will make Carthage a more business-friendly climate and can contribute to business success aligns with the goals of the CEDC.
Carthage Economic Development ( CEDC ) Staff
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is made up of volunteers from the Carthage area, many of whom have been serving the community for decades.
Officers
Mark Gier, Chairman • Chance Morgan, Vice Chairman
Jeff Williams, Past Chairman • Mark Johnson, Secretary/Treasurer
Members-at-large
Jay Thompson • Amanda Fosdick • Steve Carlton
Mayor David Flanigan • Mindi Wilks • Steve Swearengen
Daren Collier• Jason Eckhart
Ex-Officio Directors
Dr. Luke Boyer • Chuck Bryant • Traci Cox
Tom Flanigan • Julie Reams
Jeff Meredith, CEO, joined the Carthage Economic Development Corporation in 2023. Prior to leading the CEDC, Jeff had sixteen years of experience working for chambers of commerce, and has more than 35 cumulative years of non-profit board service.
During his chamber years, Jeff was exposed to many different concepts related to economic development including workforce training, downtown development, business retention & expansion, entrepreneur development & economic gardening.
In 2017, Jeff received the IOM designation from the US Chamber of Commerce signifying receipt of the Certificate of Nonprofit Organization Management. In 2019, Jeff graduated from the Economic Development Institute provided by Oklahoma University.
In 2022, Jeff graduated with his Masters of Business Administration from Northwest Missouri State University, earning him the MBA designation.
In 2024, Jeff joined an elite group of Missouri economic developers when he earned his Missouri Certified Economic Developer (MOCEd) designation, which is a certification program offered by the Missouri Economic Development Council.
Jeff currently serves as the District 6 Co-Chair for the Missouri Economic Development Council, is the Vice President of the Carthage Area United Way Board of Directors, and is also a member of the Vision Carthage Board of Directors.
Why CEDC Matters.
We connect businesses with the right incentives, prime locations, and valuable resources to help them grow. By guiding you through permitting, partnerships, and local processes, we reduce red tape and make your path forward clearer. Our team brings local insight to state-level opportunities, helping you navigate programs that align with your goals. Most importantly, we believe in Carthage’s potential and we work every day to help businesses like yours be part of that future.
We believe in Carthage’s potential and work every day to prove it.
Discover the People Behind the Progress
Whether you’re starting fresh, expanding your business, or investing in Carthage’s future, it helps to know who’s working alongside you. The Carthage Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is more than an organization, it’s a network of local leaders, partners, and advocates committed to helping businesses succeed. Get to know the mission, the team, and the momentum behind economic growth in Carthage.
Your Growth Is Our Mission
We’re more than an advisory group—we’re a hands-on, committed team that believes your success adds value to the entire Carthage region. If you’re ready to invest in Carthage, you’ll find an entire community ready to invest in you.
Use the form to get in touch and learn how we can help your business thrive.